Product Description
Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' (3.5-inch pot)
Common Name: Bronze Beauty Bugleweed
- Height: 3-4 Inches
- Spread: 12-36 Inches
- Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Sun to Shade
- Part Shade is preferred in Hot Summer Zones
- Evergreen - semi-evergreen
- Bronze purple leaves
- Blue flower spikes - Spring
- Foliage color reduced in heavy shade
- Will grow where grass will not
Bronze Beauty Ajuga has glossy, bronze-purple foliage. Spreads by stolons with vigor. Blooms lilac-blue on 2"-3" tall flower spikes putting on a brilliant show in Spring. Plants can be mowed on high to remove spent flowers. Ajuga thrives in humus soil and will grow fine in average, well-drained soil. Will tolerate occasional dry soil but prefers regular watering. Plant in areas with good air circulation in hot, humid climates to prevent crown rot. Good for large areas as ground cover, on slopes and edges of pathways as well as rock gardens and beds. Careful using it near grass edges where it may invade the lawn. Mature height 3"-4", spread 18"-24"
Plant Ajuga in spring or fall. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water Ajuga regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Once established, the plant can tolerate some drought. Fertilize Ajuga once a year in spring with a slow-release balanced fertilizer. Ajuga does not require much pruning. You can remove any dead or damaged leaves as needed.
Hardy in USDA zones 3/4-9. In colder climates, the plant may need to be protected from frost with a layer of mulch.
With proper care, Ajuga will thrive for many years. It is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden.
Ajuga can be propagated by division. To divide the plant, carefully dig it up and separate the rhizomes. Replant the rhizomes in separate containers or in the ground. Ajuga is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot. If you see signs of leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' is a captivating ground cover that brings a touch of rich color and texture to the garden. Here is a closer look at this charming plant:
Appearance:
- Foliage: 'Bronze Beauty' is prized for its small, oval leaves that emerge a beautiful bronze-purple in spring, gradually transitioning to a deeper bronze-green with purple highlights as the season progresses. The leaves are glossy and create a dense, mat-forming ground cover.
- Flowers: In spring, 'Bronze Beauty' produces short spikes of small, bluish-purple flowers that rise just above the foliage. The flowers add a touch of color and attract pollinators.
Growth Habit:
- 'Bronze Beauty' is a low-growing, spreading plant that typically reaches only 4-6 inches in height but can spread up to 12 inches wide or more. It has a creeping habit, forming a dense mat over time.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: This Ajuga prefers partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some sun, its best foliage color is achieved in shadier locations.
- Soil: 'Bronze Beauty' thrives in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, as long as the soil is well-drained.
- Hardiness: It is generally hardy in USDA Zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Special Features:
- Unique Foliage: The bronze-purple foliage of 'Bronze Beauty' provides a striking contrast to other plants in the garden, adding a touch of rich color and interest.
- Excellent Ground Cover: Its dense, mat-forming habit makes it an excellent choice for a ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and prevent erosion.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: 'Bronze Beauty' is generally not a favorite of deer or rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens where these animals are a problem.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, 'Bronze Beauty' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care.
Uses in the Garden:
- Ground Cover: 'Bronze Beauty' is ideal for use as a ground cover in shady areas, where it can create a dense and colorful carpet.
- Borders: It can be used to edge borders or pathways, adding a touch of color and texture.
- Containers: 'Bronze Beauty' can also be grown in containers, allowing you to enjoy its beauty on patios or balconies.
- Rock Gardens: Its low-growing habit makes it a good choice for rock gardens, where they can fill in spaces between stones.
Tips for Growing Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty':
- Planting: Plant in spring or fall in a location with partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Space the plants about 9-12 inches apart.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Once established, it can tolerate some drought, but it is best to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth begins.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate plants and prevent overcrowding.
Overall, Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' is a beautiful and easy-to-grow ground cover that will add a touch of rich color and texture to your garden. Its low maintenance requirements, deer and rabbit resistance, and attractiveness to pollinators make it a valuable addition to any landscape.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
